Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Brentford

Nottingham Forest return to Premier League action with a home clash against Brentford on May 1, as they look to get back to winning ways just four days after their FA Cup semi-final heartbreak. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit in sixth place with a game in hand and could move back up to third if they claim all three points against the Bees.

With the FA Cup no longer in consideration, the Tricky Trees can fully focus on their remaining league matches, as they look to secure Champions League football for the first time in 45 years. Here is our Nottingham Forest predicted lineup to face Brentford.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup for Premier League Clash vs Brentford on May 1

How Forest Have Lined Up Recently

A mixture of injuries and suspensions meant that Nuno had to experiment tactically in Forest’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, opting for a 4-4-2 system instead of their usual 4-2-3-1.

Although the Portuguese manager was left with selection headaches across the pitch, he was able to rely on the indispensable Matz Sels in goal, who will be desperate to extend his lead over David Raya for the Premier League Golden Glove Award. In the heart of defence, Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic continue to impress and have barely missed a game this season.

Forest’s biggest problem was at full-back, with usual starters Ola Aina and Neco Williams both unavailable, so Nuno opted for 18-year-old academy graduate Zach Abbott at right-back with Harry Toffolo at left-back. Abbott is yet to feature in a Premier League match for his boyhood club, but looks to be a fantastic talent.

In central midfield, the Tricky Trees had a partnership of Nicolas Dominguez and Danilo, with the absence of skipper Ryan Yates leaving a difficult hole to fill. Elliot Anderson, typically utilised in a deeper midfield role, played out on the left flank, and reported Man City target Morgan Gibbs-White featured from the right.

Up front, Nuno partnered 19-goal Chris Wood with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.. Forest also utilised a two-striker formation in their victory over Tottenham on April 22, and they were effective at creating chances against Pep Guardiola’s side, but just could not take them.

Nottingham Forest Recent Form and Tactics

Despite enjoying an unbelievable 2024/25 season, Forest have suffered a slight dip in form recently. They beat Tottenham last time out but had endured back-to-back losses against Everton and Aston Villa in the two games prior.

Injuries to key players have forced the Tricky Trees to dispense with their typical 4-2-3-1 system, as Nuno has had to try and plug gaps without sacrificing the tenacity and counter-attacking prowess that has made his team so effective this season. However, the club should be almost back to full strength for the Brentford game, allowing the manager to revert to his preferred shape.

11th-placed Brentford, who have a very slim chance of securing European football for the first time in their history, will undoubtedly be a tough opponent, but one Forest will have to overcome if they hope to qualify for the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider

According to Premier Injuries, Forest currently have just two players on their injury list, meaning that Nuno will be almost able to call upon his preferred starting 11.

Aina continues to be assessed after missing the last four games with a calf injury, with the coach saying they are taking it “day-to-day” with the full-back. The 28-year-old has been one of Forest’s most consistent performers this campaign and is a huge loss when he is unavailable, but there is hope that he will return to the fold imminently.

The other injury doubt for Forest to consider is 18-year-old Eric da Silva Moreira, with the versatile youngster currently out with a foot injury. He will be assessed prior to the Brentford game.